IFC Films/Sundance Selects Ups Lisa Schwartz to Co-President

The veteran executive is credited with creating the company's infrastructure for its groundbreaking day-and-date business model.

Lisa Schwartz has been promoted to the co-president at IFC Films/Sundance Selects, it was announced Wednesday.

Schwartz — who moves to the post from her current role as executive vp distribution, operations and business development — is credited with creating the company's infrastructure for its groundbreaking day-and-date business model. IFC’s day-and-date model was an industry first and spawned a strong demand for multiplatform content.

She also was part of the core team that helped to launch IFC Midnight, which specializes in genre fare; Sundance Selects, with a focus on prestige films, documentaries and world cinema; and SundanceNow, an online destination under the AMC Networks banner that allows viewers to rent or buy from a library of contemporary and classic indie films from all over world.

In her previous role, Schwartz was the senior distribution strategist for the division and was responsible for creating, identifying and securing revenue-generating opportunities. She oversaw all domestic and foreign distribution for IFC Films and Sundance Selects’ operations across all platforms, including theatrical, premium VOD, pay TV, digital, portable devices, home video and all emerging new platforms.

“Lisa’s vast experience and deep industry relationships have made her an extraordinary leader here over the past decade,” Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, said in a statement. “The time has come to fully acknowledge that and make her my full partner in running this company moving forward. In an ever-changing landscape, with countless new revenue streams and a myriad of new emerging platforms, Lisa’s expertise and knowledge allows us to always be one step ahead in positioning us as a continued leader in the independent film space.”

Added AMC Networks CEO Josh Sapan: “Under the leadership of Jonathan Sehring, IFC Films/Sundance Selects has been a pioneer in the theatrical, VOD and multi-platform business. Lisa Schwartz’s breadth of experience and relationships in the distribution community, along with her keen business acumen, are a great complement to Jonathan’s long-established, well-earned leadership position in the independent film community.”

Upcoming IFC Films and Sundance Selects features include Laura Gabbert’s City of Gold; Josh Kriegman and Elyse Sternberg’s Weiner; Matthew Brown’s The Man Who Knew Infinity, starring Jeremy Irons and Dev Patel; and Ethan Hawke starrer Born to Be Blue. Recent releases include Andrew Haigh’s 45 Years starring Charlotte Rampling, who is up for a best actress Oscar later this month, and Richard Linklater's best picture Oscar nominee Boyhood.